The artist behind it, Graham Ibbeson, now plans to unveil the £220,000 bronze statue at the beginning of February, “before the end of the season”.

Delays were caused by difficulties to raise money, £38,000 still missing to complete the project.

The local football community raised the majority of the funding, with contributors such as Albion fans or the West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club. Sandwell Council and business men from the Black Country also donated a part of the first £30,000.

The statue pays tribute to the first three black footballers to be hired in British clubs. It awaits to be completed on a foundry floor in London.

After the death of Cyrille Regis this week, former player of West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, the calls for this physical tribute are strong among the football fans.